It was an atypical Flyers-Pens game down at the Consol Energy Center tonight with only 3 goals combined, 4 minors, and no fights. However, it seems like the Flyers love to play 5-0n-3 late in the 3rd period in close games. After a relatively weak call on Simmonds, the Flyers get sucked over to Crosby, which leads to a breakaway for Chris Kunitz. Kimmo Timonen then has to take a hooking penalty, giving the 2nd best power play in the league a 5-on-3 for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, theses Flyers played exceptional games.

3rd Star: Sean Couturier

The real reason Evgeni Malkin wasn’t feeling 100% is because Mr. Sean Couturier was in town. Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette utilized this past week’s practice to help Coots with his face offs. This clearly showed tonight as Sean went 6-8, beating Crosby twice. Couturier also looked like the Couturier from the playoffs last year, playing very solid defensively, even strenght and short-handed. The offense will come for Couturier, but right now it is more important for Couturier to continue to solidify his shut down abilities.

2nd Star: Claude Giroux

Claude scored the lone Flyers goal off a beautiful assist from Penguins penalty-killer Tanner Glass. The captain also dominated in the face off dot, going 17-28 for 61%. Looking relieved after scoring his goal, you hope that he has gained some confidence, and find his scoring toch again.

1st Star: Ilya Bryzgalov

It looks like the long break really paid off for Bryz, who kept the Flyers in the game by stopping 33 of the 35 Pittsburgh shots. Bryz was competing for every shot and was dialed in all game. With Bryz playing well, all the Flyers need is some offense to make a playoff push